Category Archives: Manufacturers

Review: Laowa 35mm 0.95 – The world’s fastest 35mm lens

September 10, 2021 BastianK 96 Comments

Introduction

laowa 35mm 0.95 worlds fastest lens review bokeh 42mp 61mp laowa venus optics venuslens fullframe contrast resolution bokeh — Laowa 35mm 0.95 FF on Sony A7rII

By now I have used over 150 lenses – of which 20 are 35mm lenses and most of them reviewed here – and it is safe to say that nowadays I am rarely excited about a new release in this focal length range. This Laowa 35mm 0.95 is not only the fastest 35mm fullframe lens though, it is also the widest f/0.95 fullframe lens – so two records in one lens (as of 2021 and counting).
Such bold designs often spot noticeable compromises, will this also be the case here? Let us find out in this review.
Last update: May 2023, new samples added

Sample Images

laowa 35mm 0.95 worlds fastest lens review bokeh 42mp 61mp laowa venus optics venuslens fullframe contrast resolution bokeh optical vignetting fall off — Sony A7III | Laowa 35mm 0.95 | f/0.95

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Review, Sony E-mount, TTArtisan

Review: TTArtisan 50mm 1.4 E

September 4, 2021 BastianK 47 Comments

Introduction

ttartisan 50mm 1.4 sony a7riii a7riv sharpness bokeh resolution contrast review e-mount — TTArtisan 50mm 1.4 E on Sony A7rII

The TTArtisan 50mm 1.4 M is one of my favorite affordable modern manual focus lenses, now after the M-mount version we are getting a native (and cheaper!) E-mount version.
What has changed? Optically: nothing, mechanically: a bit, MSRP: a lot. So let us have a closer look which makes more sense to get as an E-mount user.

This lens is optically the same as the M-mount version so I will reuse many sections of my review of the M-mount version here.

Sample Images

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Laowa, lenses, Review, Sony E-mount

Review: Laowa 33mm 0.95 CF APS-C

July 24, 2021 BastianK 7 Comments

Introduction

laowa 33mm 0.95 f/0.95 portrait lens review sharpness contrast resolution bokeh venus optics — Laowa 33mm 0.95 CF APS-C on Sony A7rII

Regulars know we only rarely review APS-C lenses, but a 33mm f/0.95 lens with floating elements did manage to catch my attention, especially as it should give an idea of what to expect from the future full frame lenses of Laowa’s Argus line, so let us see what the Laowa 33mm 0.95 CF has in store for us!

Sample Images

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Leica M, Review, TTArtisan

Review: TTArtisan 90mm 1.25

June 26, 2021 BastianK 21 Comments

Introduction

ttartisan 90mm 1.25 f/1.25 review test comparison leica m m10 m10r m9 sony a7rii 42mp 24mp contrast bokeh sharpness — TTArtisan 90mm 1.25 via metabones adapter on Sony A7rII

To me the TTArtisan 90mm 1.25 was an unexpected lens, as Leica just recently put a 90mm 1.5 for 14 grand on the shelves, I did not expect anyone offering a faster 90mm M-mount lens. But here we are with a very chunky and massive 90mm 1.25 portrait lens. But is this the new M-mount bokeh king or is the design simply too ambitious? Let us find out in this review!
Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII and 24mp Leica M10

Sample Images

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Leica M, lenses, Review, Voigtlander

Review: Voigtlander VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar

May 16, 2021 BastianK 19 Comments

Introduction

voigtlander vm 21mm 3.5 color skopar leica m10 sony a7rii a7riii a7riv 24mp 42mp 61mp sharpness review contrast resolution — Voigtlander VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar with LH-11 lens hood on Leica M10

The Voigtlander VM 21mm 3.5 Color-Skopar is Cosina’s latest slower 21mm lens. Phillip already reviewed the E-mount version, now I am having a look at the M-mount version, also to find out, whether there are actually optical differences between the two versions.
Lens is being tested on 42mp Sony A7rII and 24mp Leica M10